LHASA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tibet Autonomous Region in
southwest China announced on Wednesday that no plastic bags would be provided to
shoppers from this year, even if they are willing to pay.

The decision coincided with China's ban on production of ultra-thin bags
and decision to forbid retailers from handing out free carrier bags from June 1,
to protect the environment and save energy.

Tibet will launch a campaign against disposable plastic bags and foam
dinnerware, with the message that reusable cloth bags and recyclable paper bags
are more environmentally friendly, according to Zhang Yongze, chief of the Tibet
Environmental Protection Bureau.

"Although the campaign will be tough and last for a long time, we will not
give up," Zhang said.

Lhasa, capital of Tibet, banned the use of plastic bags in 2004to keep the
city free of "white" pollution.